Ring ball game

ABSTRACT

A game consisting of a target comprising a ring having one or more target strips releasably secured thereacross, a ball projector having a handle and a hollow head containing a ball, the ball being projected toward the target by a swinging motion of the handle to strike and disengage a target strip.

D United States Patent 111! 3,591,180

[72] Inventor Joseph 1. Lafon, Sr. 2,722,420 1 1/1955 Adamson 273/102 S 2225 N. Raymond Ln.. Altadena, Calif. 3,080,166 3/1963 Clark 273/102 S 91001 3,115,129 12/1963 Merriman 124/5 [211 App]. No 810,296 3.367.661 2/1968 Dean Jr 273/102 X [22] Filed Mar. 25, 1969 3,431,607 3/1969 Tinnerman 24/243 [45] Patented July 6, 1971 1.498.994 6/1924 Borsuk et a1. 24/243 P 928,674 7/1909 Lenz 273/26 [54] RING BALL GAME Primary ExaminerAnton O. Oechsle 3 Claims, 6 Dl'lwing Fi s. Assistant Emminer-Theatrice Brown Attorney-Manse! A. Gray [521 11.8. CI. 273/101, 124/5, 273/102.1 [51] Int. Cl A63b 65/12 [50] Field olSearch 273/101, 102, 102 A, 102 AP,102.1,102.1G,105,166,67,

243 243 243 ABSTRACT: A game consisting of a target comprising a ring 1 265 EC having one or more target strips releasably secured thereacross, a ball projector having a handle and a hollow- [56] References CM head containing a ball, the ball being projected toward the tar- UNITED STATES PATENTS get by a swinging motion of the handle to strike and disengage 504,073 8/1893 Wilson 273/102 A a target strip.

RING BALL GAME This invention relates to a ring ball game, and has as its primary object the provision of a game of skill and chance providing arelatively high entertainment value for children and adults alike.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a game of this nature which may be packed and shipped in relatively flat condition, which may be assembled and disassembled with a minimum of time and effort, which is sturdy and durable in construction, and which is simple and easy to understand and play.

Still other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts and features of construction all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawing wherein there are shown preferred embodiments of this inventive concept.

Briefly the invention consists of .a ringlike target having one or more target strips extending transversely thereacross and releasably held by spring clips or the like, a ball, and a projector to impel the ball towards the target to strike and release the target strips.

In the drawing:

FIG. I is an exploded perspective view of the components of the game showing the target, its associated target strip, the ball, its projector, and-a score pad;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken through one of the target strip holding clips;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partially broken away, of the projector showing the ball positioned for release therein; I

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing a modified form of clip;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a further modified form of clip shown in association with a fragment of the target ring, the latter being partially broken away; and

FIG. 6' is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

Similar reference .characters refer to similar throughout the several views of the drawing.

Having reference now to the drawing in detail, there is generally indicated at 10 a target ring which comprises an annulus II which may be made of tubular material such as plastic, light metal or the like and which is provided at spaced points on its periphery with eyes 12 to which may be secured a cord or string I3 for suspending the device. A plurality of target strip holding clips 14 are provided in spaced transverse alignment on opposite sides of the target ring for the purpose of holding transversely extending target strips 15 which may be comprised of any suitable flexible material. Each clip 14 consists, as best shown in FIG. 2, of a split annulus 16 adapted to surround ring 11 and terminating in a pair of spaced cars 17, apertured to receive a stud or bolt 18 which extends through a ring 19 at the top of clip 14. The ring is attached to a stem 20 which is reverted as at 21 and extends upwardly to a resilient loop 22 from which extends an inwardly inclined portion 23 normally abutting the lower end of reverted portion 21. An offset end portion 24 facilitates the insertion of an end of a target trip 15 between portions 21 and 23, where it is resiliently held.

substantially parts 27 and swung to impel the ball towards the tar et 10, the obect being to strike one or more of the strips 1 and disengage one or both of its ends from its associated clip 14. The strips may bear suitable numerical indicia assigning a value to each strip when detached from an associated clip.

A conventional score pad 32 is provided upon which score may be kept, and a desired number of points constitute a game.

FIG. 4 discloses a modified form of clip generally indicated at 35 which comprises a tapered screw 36 which is suitably threaded through openings in ring or annulus 11 and provided with a head or stop 37. An arcuate rigid member 38 extends from head 37 and a resilient wire 39 extends across the bight of member 38. One end of member 39 is inturned as at 40 and I secured in a suitable opening in the end of portion 38 adjacent head 37. A target strip 15 is inserted between spring or resilient member 39 and the end 40 of member 38, and the game is played as described in connection with the previous 7 modification.

A still further modified form of the invention is disclosed in H68. 5 and 6, and comprises a stud which is inserted through aligned openings 46 in ring or annulus 11, the upper end being subsequently peened or headed as at 47. The internal end of stud 45 terminates in a transverse member 48 from which extend three tines 49. In this form of the invention a target strip 15 is threaded between tines 49 as indicated in FIG. 6, with the center tine on one side of the strip, and the end tines on the opposite side. In this form of the device the remaining elements of the game are also identical to those previously discussed.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved ring ball game which accomplishes all of the objects of this invention and others, including many advantages of great practical utility and high entertainment projector for the ball comprising an elongated handle and a The remaining portions of the game comprise a standard ball 25 which may be made of any suitable material such as at 26. Projector 26 includes a handle portion 27 having a knob hollow head in which the ball is adapted to be placed initially for manual propulsion therefrom toward said strips.

2. A game according to claim I wherein the releasable means comprise spaced holding clip means encircling said target ring, and inwardly extending spring clip means pivotally connected to said holding clip means.

3. The structure of claim I wherein the releasable means each comprise a threaded member extended through said ring, and inwardly extending spring clip means carried by said threaded member and being adapted to flex relative thereto for reception and securing of the ends of the strips. 

1. A ball game comprising, in combination, a target ring, a plurality of flexible generally flat target strips extending across said ring in parallel spaced relationship, spring clip means removably and oppositely secured to said ring for releasably receiving and securing the flat ends of the strips to the ring, a ball adapted to be projected towards the target ring with the object of knocking out a target strip, said clip means releasing said strip when struck with sufficient force by said ball, and a projector for the ball comprising an elongated handle and a hollow head in which the ball is adapted to be placed initially for manual propulsion therefrom toward said strips.
 2. A game according to claim 1 wherein the releasable means comprise spaced holding clip means encircling said target ring, and inwardly extending spring clip means pivotally connected to said holding clip means.
 3. The structure of claim 1 wherein the releasable means each comprise a threaded member extended through said ring, and inwardly extending spring clip means carried by said threaded member and being adapted to flex relative thereto for reception and securing of the ends of the strips. 